Trees
Acer griseum
Paperbark maple
Curling cinnamon-colored bark makes paperbark maple distinctive even when bare in winter. Its three-part leaves are green above with paler undersides, then develop orange to red autumn tones. This relatively small tree also bears modest yellowish spring flowers and suits a sheltered specimen or woodland-edge position.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Size
- Height: 20–30 ft · Width: 12–25 ft
- Water
- Medium moisture
- Hardiness
- USDA 4–8
Sizes & prices
- #7Paperbark Maple$249.99
- #15Paperbark MapleCall for price
- B&B 2.5" 6'Paperbark Maple$349.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Landscape use & tree form
- Use
- Small shade tree; patio specimen; bonsai
- Form
- Upright oval to rounded
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Can be browsed; extension sources record occasional severe damage.
- Drought
- Not drought-tolerant; provide water during dry spells, especially while establishing.
- Wet soil
- Requires drainage; avoid persistently saturated roots.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Pollinators & wildlife
- Attracts
- Pollinators
- Caterpillar host
- Moths
Seasonal interest
- Fall color
- Orange and red; late-season color
- Fruit
- Paired winged seeds; not a fleshy ornamental fruit.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained sand, loam or clay; adaptable to a range of soil pH.
- Pruning
- Prune lightly, removing dead, damaged or rubbing branches while preserving the natural outline. For elective cuts, wait until the leaves are fully expanded to reduce maple sap bleeding; large limbs need a qualified arborist.
Sources & photo credits
University of Minnesota Extension
Iowa State University Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Montana State University Extension
Photo: Leonora (Ellie) Enking · CC-BY-SA 2.0
Image notes: Paperbark maple peeling bark. Resized and converted to WebP.
Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.